You're not just picking a package off the shelf; you're crafting an experience that aligns perfectly with your group's interests, pace, and style.
The neighborhood is brimming with one-of-a-kind shops offering everything from local artisan crafts to high-end fashion. Vancouver underground tours Its Colosseum-inspired design stands as a testament to the city's commitment to blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. Why settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary awaits?
They've introduced a customizable sightseeing tour designed for both travelers and locals alike, offering an unparalleled opportunity to tailor your journey through this vibrant city. Opt for our culinary tours, where you'll taste your way through Vancouver's diverse food scene, or join a photography tour to capture the city's stunning vistas through your lens.
The guides are more than just knowledgeable; they're passionate storytellers, bringing Vancouver's sights and history to life in a way that resonates and entertains. You'll discover hidden gems alongside the city's must-see landmarks, making your experience rich and fulfilling.
Indigenous settlement of Vancouver began more than 10,000 years ago and included the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh (Burrard) peoples. The beginnings of the modern city, which was originally named Gastown, grew around the site of a makeshift tavern on the western edges of Hastings Mill that was built on July 1, 1867, and owned by proprietor Gassy Jack. The Gastown steam clock marks the original site. Gastown then formally registered as a townsite dubbed Granville, Burrard Inlet. The city was renamed "Vancouver" in 1886 through a deal with the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Canadian Pacific transcontinental railway was extended to the city by 1887. The city's large natural seaport on the Pacific Ocean became a vital link in the trade between Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Europe, and Eastern Canada.
You'll explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems alike, each with a story that contributes to the vibrant mosaic of Vancouver's past and present. If you've ever longed to explore Vancouver like never before, discovering why Star Sightseeing's VIP experience might just be your golden ticket will certainly pique your curiosity. You'll benefit from their expertise, whether it's navigating through bustling markets, exploring serene parks, or finding the best spots for breathtaking city views. Spring brings stunning cherry blossoms, while summer offers lively festivals.
The Gastown district awaits with its cobbled streets and steam clock.
Our fleet includes the latest models from leading luxury brands, ensuring your travel isn't just about getting from point A to B, but an integral part of your unforgettable Vancouver adventure. We also promote attractions that are committed to sustainability, supporting the community's efforts to maintain its unique environment.
As we explore what makes Star Sightseeing's tours a must for any traveler, you'll discover how they transform a simple visit into a journey of luxury and discovery that goes beyond the conventional sightseeing experience. Ready for an adventure? They'll also share personal anecdotes and historical tidbits that make each site come alive, offering a richer and more engaging experience than you could ever achieve on your own. Queen Elizabeth Park is also a haven for art enthusiasts and history buffs.
After soaking up the sun at Kitsilano Beach, you'll be thrilled to discover the wonders of Science World, a beacon of innovation and fun in the heart of Vancouver. They've spent years wandering the city's streets, uncovering its secrets and stories that you won't find in any guidebook. Whether it's the luxurious fleet that catches your eye or the promise of personalized experiences that cater to your every whim, there's an aspect of these tours designed to enchant everyone.
Unveiling Vancouver's magic isn't just about seeing; it's about experiencing. They're not just a photo opportunity; they're a gateway to understanding the soul of the city. Every tour is customizable, allowing you to choose the sights you're most eager to explore, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks.
Whether you're an art enthusiast eager to explore Vancouver's vibrant art scene, a nature lover looking to wander through the lush landscapes of Stanley Park, or a foodie wanting to indulge in the city's culinary delights, we've got you covered. It's about giving you those unique experiences that blend the natural with the celestial. That's just the beginning.
Dive into the local food scene. Grouse Mountain sightseeing tours You'll have the chance to meet local artisans, hear their stories, and discover the passion behind their crafts. Vancouver food tours Vancouver cherry blossom tours Diving into the details of our premium packages, you'll discover that luxury comforts aren't just included; they're a cornerstone of your Vancouver experience.
Shift your adventure to the vibrant heart of the city by visiting Granville Island, an eclectic mix of shops, studios, and eateries waiting to be discovered. It's not just about seeing the sights; it's about immersing yourself in them, with every sense engaged.
As you meander along the pathways, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and the diverse array of plant species that call this park home.
Each vehicle in our fleet has been meticulously designed with your comfort and satisfaction in mind. From responsible wildlife viewing to supporting conservation projects, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how your travel choices can contribute to a healthier planet.
Why not take a stroll through Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, where cobblestone streets lead you through a journey of discovery and history?
Night-time excursions reveal a different side of Vancouver, with the city lights creating a magical backdrop.
We're committed to preserving Vancouver's natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.
Part of a series on |
Homestays |
---|
Hospitality exchange services |
Hospitality for work |
Hospitality for money |
Home exchange and others |
Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip.[1] Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of tourism.
The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail, which means 'work'.[2] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil).
In English, people still occasionally use the words travail, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers' Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale).[citation needed] This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier, depending upon the destination. Travel to Mount Everest, the Amazon rainforest, extreme tourism, and adventure travel are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by bus, cruise ship, or even by bullock cart.[3]
Reasons for traveling include recreation,[4] holidays, rejuvenation,[5] tourism[4] or vacationing,[4] research travel,[4] the gathering of information, visiting people, volunteer travel for charity, migration to begin life somewhere else, religious pilgrimages[4] and mission trips, business travel,[4] trade,[4] commuting, obtaining health care,[4] waging or fleeing war, for the enjoyment of traveling, or other reasons. Travelers may use human-powered transport such as walking or bicycling; or vehicles, such as public transport, automobiles, trains, ferries, boats, cruise ships and airplanes.
Motives for travel include:
Travel dates back to antiquity where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their summer homes and villas in cities such as Pompeii and Baiae.[9] While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.[10] Humankind has come a long way in transportation since Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century when aircraft allows travel from Spain to the United States overnight.
Travel in the Middle Ages offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The wholesale sector depended (for example) on merchants dealing with/through caravans or sea-voyagers, end-user retailing often demanded the services of many itinerant peddlers wandering from village to hamlet, gyrovagues (wandering monks) and wandering friars brought theology and pastoral support to neglected areas, traveling minstrels toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.[9] Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally.[11]
In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European aristocrats and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the Grand Tour, and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the French Revolution brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.[9]
Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of railways in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like Thomas Cook selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.[12] Airships and airplanes took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.[9] Air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, Alexis Alford, visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.[13]
Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a passport and visa. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,[14] small group tours,[15] and river cruises.[16]
Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel safety.[17] When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.[18] Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,[17] avoiding being the target of a crime,[17] leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people,[17] obtaining medical insurance valid in the country being visited[17] and registering with one's national embassy when arriving in a foreign country.[17] Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept international driving permits.[19] Automobile insurance policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.[19] It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and regulations of destination countries.[19] Wearing a seat belt is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating seatbelt laws.[19]
There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions survey in October 2000):[20]
Mode | Deaths per billion | ||
---|---|---|---|
Journeys | Hours | Kilometers | |
Bus | 4.3 | 11.1 | 0.4 |
Rail | 20 | 30 | 0.6 |
Air | 117 | 30.8 | 0.05 |
Ship | 90 | 50 | 2.6 |
Van | 20 | 60 | 1.2 |
Car | 40 | 130 | 3.1 |
Walking | 40 | 220 | 54 |
Bicycle | 170 | 550 | 45 |
Motorcycle | 1640 | 4840 | 109 |
... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009)
|
A tour bus service is an escorted tour (sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions.
![]() |
It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled City tourist bus service. (Discuss) (January 2023)
|
Double-decker buses and open top buses are commonly used, for providing a good view. Large coaches are used internationally by tour operators, intercity bus lines and charters, for short and long distance destinations. These buses are larger than regular transit buses, with 2 to 4 axles (6 to 10 wheels).
The history of tour buses in North America began in the early 20th century, when trucks were converted to provide a means for sightseeing within large American cities.[1] Gray Line, the largest sightseeing operators, began operations in 1910.[2] Sightseeing was likely a side business for many intercity bus operators because the same types of buses were used (this remains true even today). World War II saw the industry decline, but it slowly re-emerged as an alternative to driving.[1]
Many musicians, entertainers, dancing crews and bands travel in sleeper buses, commonly referred to as "tour buses". While most if not all of the buses and coaches listed above are for commercial applications, there are many coaches manufactured for personal use as motorhomes. These bus based motorhomes are considered the top end of the RV market.
You're probably wondering what happens if bad weather hits during your tour. Don't worry, they've got you covered with alternative indoor activities and rescheduling options to ensure you still have a fantastic experience.
You can cancel your tour package for a full refund up to 24 hours before it starts. If you miss this window, they'll offer rescheduling options, ensuring you don't miss out on the experience.
You'll find enhanced safety and health measures, including regular sanitation, mandatory masks, and social distancing. They're committed to your well-being, ensuring a safe environment for all guests during these challenging times.